Relates to the use of body imaging scanning equipment in local correctional facilities

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why James Skoufis says this is needed

Correctional facilities across New York State are facing a surge in slashings carried out by incarcerated individuals using ceramic craft blades smuggled in as contraband. These blades, commonly designed to fit into small Exacto knives or similar tools, are easily concealed in clothing or on the body, undetectable by metal detectors and too small to be found during standard pat frisks-yet still capable of inflicting serious harm. The New York City Department of Corrections (NYC DOC) has struggled to stop these attacks, in part due to the lack of reliable detection methods short of invasive and impractical full-body strip searches. In response, the NYC DOC acquired five used TSA body scanners that utilize ionizing radiation machines previously deployed in major airports, which were replaced due to concerns over passenger privacy. These ionizing scanners are uniquely capable of detecting small, non-me- tallic items such as ceramic blades, as well as weapons made of titanium and plastic that elude both magnetometers and manual searches. When in use, the scanners not only detected contraband effectively but also served as a deterrent, reducing the presence of weapons in the facili- ties. Several other county jails in New York have also adopted these scanners. Although these machines emit low levels of ionizing radiation-comparable to the exposure from about 10 minutes of air travel-they were banned from use in jails in 2014 due to a provision in State public health law limiting such exposure to licensed medical purposes. A change in that law is necessary to allow for their use in correctional settings. The European Union bans these scanners out of caution regarding cancer risks, though TSA and industry experts maintain that the exposure is minimal and safe. Recognizing the need to balance safety with health risks, this bill includes strong oversight requirements: use of the scanners will be monitored by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, or the State Department of Health for counties outside New York City. These agencies will ensure that exposure is limited, adolescents are only scanned under exceptional circumstances, and pregnant individuals are exempt entirely. While the potential long-term risk of radiation exposure warrants caution, especially given the high cancer rates in the U.S., this must be weighed against the immediate and ongoing threat of violence in correctional facilities. The scanners provide a critical tool for protecting both staff and incarcerated individuals from the serious harm posed by hidden weapons. As the 2023-2024 State Budget authorized the use of these scanners in state correctional facilities, this bill extends that authority to local facilities, where the need is equally urgent.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.